The WhatsApp instant messaging service introduces a far-reaching change to its app, which is expected to allow communication between thousands of users based on "communities" and large call groups.
The app, which requires the user to obtain the contact number of a contact in order to chat with him and limits group participation to 256 participants, is currently trying among a limited group of users the possibility of a conversation in communities, which will allow thousands of people to communicate.
According to the company announcement, part of a meta-corporation, the demand for development was from among institutions like schools, universities and large companies, which use the app on a daily basis.
The communities will allow several groups to coexist under a common heading as classrooms in the school and their members will be able to communicate with each other.
In addition, the app will allow larger files to be sent in groups and group members will be able to leave them without sending an alert to the other group members.
Last week, after several months of experience, WhatsApp implemented a series of significant changes and updates in its versions to the browser (Whatsapp Web) and the computer application adapted to the Windows operating system.
Both of these versions are used mainly in workplaces and organizations, as they provide an efficient, convenient and fast solution for sharing files and having group conversations directly from the computer, without having to look away and pull out the mobile phone.
The most significant innovation for both versions is the ability to use WhatsApp without a phone connection: after initial synchronization with up to four computers simultaneously, anyone who wants can simply turn off their mobile device or switch to flight mode, and continue to use WhatsApp on the computer as usual.
We tested, and it does work.
Meanwhile, it is precisely the WhatsApp windows application, which is required to be downloaded and installed on a computer (which is why many people avoid using it or are not even aware of its existence), receives the more serious and comprehensive upgrade.
In fact, it seems that a meta-company wants to reduce the use of Whatsapp Web as much as possible in order to move WhatsApp computer users to the more stable desktop version.
The latest updates include the ability to make video calls (personal only, so it is not yet a new competitor to zoom), support for transferring GIFs, the ability to archive chats and also the ability to respond to messages with emojis.
It is worth noting that these are functions that will only work on Windows 10 and above, so if your computer has an earlier version of the operating system installed, you will need a refresh.
But not everything is rosy at the edge of WhatsApp improvements, especially in the Web version.
Quite a few frustrated users have been complaining in recent days about excessive slowness, severe sync issues and multiple browser crashes, claiming that as a result their workflow has been compromised.
On the other hand, it is important to emphasize that this is a new and rolling launch, so glitches and bugs are a pretty predictable affair.
However, WhatsApp does not ignore complaints.
The company has released a statement saying it is "aware that people are experiencing slowness in loading their messages and is working to improve the user experience on all synced devices".
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